Vanda plant named ‘SPCDW1409’

ABSTRACT

A new and distinct  Vanda  cultivar named ‘SPCDW1409’ which is characterized by sepals and petals with a unique violet color, overlaid with a color pattern consisting of dark violet slight tessellation, dark violet irregular blurs and distinct spots, as well as a very dark purple labellum contrasting the petals and sepals, and the stability of these characteristics from generation to generation.

Latin name of the genus and species: The Latin name of the genus and species of the novel variety disclosed herein is Vanda spp. Jones ex R. Br.

Variety denomination: The inventive variety of Vanda disclosed herein has been given the variety denomination ‘SPCDW1409’.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to the Community Plant Variety Rights application number 2014/3622, filed Dec. 30, 2014, which is herein incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Parentage: The Vanda variety ‘SPCDW1409’ is the result of a planned breeding program. The new variety originated as a seedling from the crossing of the unpatented, proprietary seed parent Vanda ‘F211’ with the unpatented, proprietary pollen parent Vanda ‘JBL211’. Both parents were developed by, and are owned by, the inventor and were never commercially released. The crossing was made by the inventor in his research greenhouse in Bangphra, Thailand in December of 1986.

The new variety was first selected in February of 1991, in a research greenhouse in Bangphra, Thailand belonging to the inventor. After identifying the new variety as a potentially interesting selection, the inventor continued confidential testing and propagation of ‘SPCDW1409’, assessing stability of the unique characteristics of this variety.

Asexual Reproduction: Asexual reproduction of the new cultivar ‘SPCDW1409’, by way of mericloning, was first initiated in October of 2009 at a commercial laboratory belonging to the inventor in Bangphra, Thailand. Access to all plants was restricted, as plants were kept in a greenhouse not open to the public, and tissue culture plantlets were in a laboratory belonging to the inventor, and not accessible to the public. Through six subsequent generations, the unique features of this cultivar have proven to be stable and true to type.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The cultivar ‘SPCDW1409’ has not been observed under all possible environmental conditions. The phenotype may vary somewhat with variations in environment such as temperature, day length, and light intensity, without, however, any variance in genotype. The following traits have been repeatedly observed and are determined to be the unique characteristics of ‘SPCDW1409’. These characteristics in combination distinguish ‘SPCDW1409’ as a new and distinct Vanda cultivar:

-   -   1. Vanda ‘SPCDW1409’ exhibits sepals and petals with a unique         purple color; and     -   2. Vanda ‘SPCDW1409’ exhibits sepals and petals overlaid with a         color pattern consisting of dark purple slight tessellation,         dark purple irregular blurs, and distinct dark purple spots; and     -   3. Vanda ‘SPCDW1409’ exhibits a very dark purple general         tonality of the labellum which contrasts the lighter purple         petals and sepals.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 illustrates, as nearly true as it is reasonably possible to make the same in color photographs of this type, an exemplary plant of ‘SPCDW1409’ grown in a commercial greenhouse in Honselersdijk, the Netherlands. This plant is approximately 6 years old from the time of mericloning, shown planted in an 8 by 8 cm container.

FIG. 2 illustrates, as nearly true as it is reasonably possible to make the same in color photographs of this type, the typical foliage of ‘SPCDW1409’.

FIG. 3 illustrates, as nearly true as it is reasonably possible to make the same in color photographs of this type, the typical flower of ‘SPCDW1409’.

FIG. 4 illustrates, as nearly true as it is reasonably possible to make the same in color photographs of this type, the typical inflorescence of ‘SPCDW1409’.

BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION OF THE PLANT

The following observations and measurements made in December of 2015 describe averages from a sample set of six specimens of six year-old ‘SPCDW1409’ plants grown in a greenhouse in Honselersdijk, the Netherlands. Temperatures were approximately 23 degrees Celsius during the day and 19 degrees Celsius at night. No photoperiodic or chemical treatments were given to the plants. No artificial light was given to the plants.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that certain characteristics will vary with older or, conversely, with younger plants. ‘SPCDW1409’ has not been observed under all possible environmental conditions. Where dimensions, sizes, colors and other characteristics are given, it is to be understood that such characteristics are approximations or averages set forth as accurately as practicable. The phenotype of the variety may differ from the descriptions set forth herein with variations in environmental, climatic and cultural conditions. Color notations are based on The Royal Horticultural Society Colour Chart, The Royal Horticultural Society, London, 2015 (sixth edition).

A botanical description of ‘SPCDW1409’ and comparisons with other varieties of Vanda are provided below.

-   Plant description:     -   -   Growth habit.—Perennial; monopodial, upright. Single             monopodial leafy stem, with flowers carried slightly above             the leaf plane, inflorescences grow from the leaf axils.         -   Average height from base (plant grown in hanging basket, so             no soil line present) to top of foliage.—30.5 cm.         -   Average height from base (plant grown in hanging basket, so             no soil line present) to top of flowers.—51.3 cm.         -   Plant spread.—Average of 46.2 cm.         -   Normal pot size.—Hanging basket (8 by 8 cm, square).         -   Growth rate.—Moderate.         -   Plant vigor.—Moderate.         -   Propagation type.—Meristematic tissue culture propagation             using the base of the leaves.         -   Propagation details.—The time needed from for the start of a             mericlone to get the small plants ready for deflasking is             approximately 24 months under a controlled temperature of             about 26 degrees Celsius. After that period, plants have             matured roots. Plants start to make roots in the last 6             months in flasks. After deflasking they remain in a shaded             and controlled environment.         -   Disease and pest resistance or susceptibility.—Similar to             other Vanda varieties.         -   Environmental tolerances.—Adapt to, at least, USDA Zones 11             and 12 and temperatures as high as 40 degrees Celsius; high             tolerance to rain; moderate to high tolerance to wind. -   Root system:     -   -   General.—Densely rooting; with aerial roots only.         -   Dimensions, mature roots.—57.8 cm long with a diameter of             0.5 cm, on average.         -   Texture.—Very fleshy; non-fibrous.         -   Color.—Greyed-Green, near RHS 192A to 192C; root apex is             yellow-green, RHS 146A. -   Stem:     -   -   Branching habit.—Monopodial; no lateral branches present.         -   Number of primary (main) stems per plant.—One.         -   Number of secondary (lateral) branches per plant.—None.         -   Appearance and shape.—Circular, formed by the leaf sheaths.         -   Length.—18.5 cm.         -   Diameter.—0.9 cm.         -   Internode length.—0.8 cm.         -   Luster.—Matte.         -   Aspect.—Near vertical.         -   Strength.—Very strong.         -   Color, juvenile.—Greyed-orange, near RHS 164B.         -   Color, mature.—Greyed-orange, near RHS 164B.         -   Color at internodes.—Yellow-green, near RHS 150D.         -   Pubescence.—Glabrous. -   Foliage:     -   -   Arrangement.—Distichous.         -   Quantity.—Approximately 22 leaves per plant.         -   Dimensions.—19.5 cm long and 2.9 cm wide, on average.         -   Shape of blade.—Ligulate; strongly carinate.         -   Aspect.—Moderately curved.         -   Apex.—Unequal praemorse.         -   Base.—Sheathing.         -   Sheath dimensions.—2.7 cm long and 1.3 cm wide, on average.         -   Sheath color.—Yellow-green, near in between RHS 150C and             151D.         -   Margin.—Entire.         -   Pubescence, texture and luster of adaxial surface.—Glabrous,             smooth, and matte.         -   Pubescence, texture and luster of abaxial surface.—Glabrous,             smooth, and matte.         -   Color.—Juvenile foliage, adaxial surface — Green, near RHS             143C, and darker towards the margins, near 137C. Juvenile             foliage, abaxial surface — Green, near RHS 143A to 143B.             Mature foliage, adaxial surface — Green, near RHS 137B.             Mature foliage, abaxial surface — Yellow-green, near RHS             144A.         -   Venation.—Parallel.         -   Venation color, adaxial surface.—Green, near RHS 137B.         -   Venation color, abaxial surface.—Yellow-green RHS 144A.         -   Petiole.—No petioles present, leaves sessile. -   Inflorescence:     -   -   Inflorescence arrangement.—Axially placed raceme.         -   Natural flowering season.—Autumn into winter.         -   Time to flower.—Approximately 10 months.         -   Flowers per inflorescence.—Average of 9; 8 open flowers and             1 bud.         -   Inflorescence height.—Approximately 24.0 cm (measured from             base of lowest flower to top of upper flower).         -   Inflorescence diameter.—Approximately 17.4 cm.         -   Peduncle.—Dimensions — Approximately 39.6 cm long and 0.7 cm             wide. Aspect — Approximately 30 degree angle to lateral             branch axis. Strength — Moderately strong. Texture and             luster — Glabrous and moderately glossy. Color —             Yellow-green, near RHS 144A. -   Bud:     -   -   Length.—Average of 2.0 cm.         -   Diameter.—Average of 1.8 cm.         -   Shape.—Broad obovate.         -   Pubescence, texture and luster.—Glabrous, smooth and             moderately glossy.         -   Color.—Purple, near RHS N77B; base is yellow-green, near RHS             145A and 145B. -   Flower:     -   -   Flower type.—Zygomorphic (orchidaceous), typical shape for             the genus Vanda.         -   Flowering habit.—Moderate.         -   Shape.—Zygomorphic, single; consisting of three sepals and             three petals, one of which is transformed into a labellum;             the two lateral petals slightly to moderately overlap the             dorsal sepal and the lateral sepals; lateral sepals slightly             overlapping; dorsal sepal is free of the lateral sepals.         -   Aspect.—Flowers are outward-facing to slightly nodding.         -   Vertical height.—Approximately 11.3 cm.         -   Diameter.—Approximately 10.7 cm.         -   Depth.—Approximately 3.7 cm.         -   Fragrance.—No fragrance.         -   Lastingness.—3 weeks.         -   Persistent.—Self-cleaning.         -   Petals.—Quantity of Petals — 3 unfused petals; two             conventional petals and one labellum. Arrangement — One             lateral petal on each side. Length — Approximately 5.5 cm.             Width — Approximately 4.8 cm. Shape — Broad ovate to near             orbicular. Apex — Obtuse. Base — Cuneate. Margin — Entire;             moderately undulate. Pubescence, texture and luster of upper             surface — Glabrous, velvety and matte. Pubescence, texture             and luster of lower surface — Glabrous, velvety and matte.             Color when opening, upper surface — Violet, near RHS N87B to             N87C. Color when opening, lower surface — Purple-violet,             near RHS N82D, and darker towards the margins, near RHS N82A             to N82B. Color when fully opened, upper surface — Violet,             near RHS N87D, and darker towards the margins, near RHS N87B             to N87C, with irregular dark purple blurs centrally and             towards the margins, nearest to RHS N87A, and distinct dark             purple elongated spots at the base, RHS N87B. Color when             fully opened, lower surface — Purple-violet, near RHS N82D,             and violet towards the margins, near RHS N87B to N87C, with             irregular dark purple blurs centrally and towards the             margins, nearest to RHS N87A but lighter, and distinct dark             purple elongated spots at the base, nearest to RHS N87B but             lighter. Fading, upper surface — Not fading. Fading, lower             surface — Not fading. Venation color, fully opened, upper             surface — Violet, near RHS N87A; main vein is tinged             purple-violet, RHS N82B. Venation color, fully opened, lower             surface — Violet, near RHS N87B.         -   Labellum.—Shape — Three-lobed; the shape of the lateral             lobes is broad ovate to rectangular and the aspect is             involute; the central lobe is broad ovate to near             rectangular and the aspect is revolute. Length — Central             lobe — Approximately 1.9 cm. Lateral lobes — Approximately             0.8 cm. Width — Central lobe — Approximately 1.1 cm. Lateral             lobes — Approximately 0.6 cm. Apex, central lobe —             Emarginate. Apex, lateral lobe — Obtuse. Base, central and             lateral lobes — Cuneate. Margin, central and lateral lobes —             Entire; central lobe moderately undulate and lateral lobes             not undulate. Texture and luster of upper surface — Central             lobe — Glabrous, velvety, and matte. Lateral lobes —             Glabrous, velvety, and matte. Texture and luster of lower             surface — Central lobe — Glabrous, velvety, and matte.             Lateral lobes — Glabrous, velvety, and matte. Color when             opening, upper surface — Central lobe — Purple, near RHS             79A, to violet-blue, near RHS N92A. Lateral lobes —             Greyed-white, near RHS 156D, and strongly tinged             purple-violet, RHS N78D; dotted purple-violet, near RHS             N81A, and violet at the base, near RHS N87A; upper margin             yellow, near RHS 13B. Color when opening, lower surface —             Central lobe — Violet, near RHS 83A, to violet-blue, near             RHS N92A; lighter towards the base, RHS N87A. Lateral lobes             — Greyed-white, near RHS 156D, and heavily tinged             purple-violet, especially towards the margins, near RHS N81C             to N81D. Color when fully opened, upper surface — Central             lobe — Violet-blue, in between near RHS 79A and N92A.             Lateral lobes — Greyed-white, near RHS 156D, and strongly             tinged purple, RHS N78D; dotted purple-violet, near RHS             N81A, and violet at the base, near RHS N87A; upper margin             yellow, near RHS 13B. Color when fully opened, lower surface             — Central lobe — Violet, near RHS 83A, to violet-blue, near             RHS N92A; lighter towards the base, RHS N87A. Lateral lobes             — Greyed-white, near RHS 156D, and heavily tinged             purple-violet, especially towards the margins, near RHS N81C             to N81D. Fading, upper surface — Not fading. Fading, lower             surface — Not fading. Venation color, fully opened, upper             surface — Central lobe — Violet, near RHS 79A, to             violet-blue, near RHS N92A; lighter towards the base, RHS             N87A. Lateral lobes — Greyed-white, near RHS 156D, and             strongly tinged purple, RHS N78D; dotted purple-violet, near             RHS N81A, and violet at the base, near RHS N87A; upper             margin yellow, near RHS 13B. Venation color, fully opened,             lower surface — Central lobe — Violet, near RHS 83A, to             violet-blue, near RHS N92A; lighter towards the base, RHS             N87A. Lateral lobes — Greyed-white, near RHS 156D, and             heavily tinged purple-violet, especially towards the             margins, near RHS N81C to N81D.         -   Spurs.—Quantity — Average of 1. Length — Approximately             0.7 cm. Diameter — Approximately 0.35 cm. Vertical height —             Approximately 0.6 cm, at the base. Shape — Short triangular.             Apex — Bluntly acute. Base — Broad Cuneate. Pubescence,             texture and luster — Glabrous, smooth, and matte. Color —             Greyed-purple, near RHS N187D, and striped violet, near N87C             to N87D.         -   Sepals.—Quantity — Average of 3 unfused sepals. Arrangement             — One dorsal sepal and two lateral sepals. Length — Dorsal             sepal — Approximately 5.8 cm. Lateral sepals — Approximately             6.3 cm. Width — Dorsal sepal — Approximately 4.8 cm. Lateral             sepals — Approximately 5.9 cm. Shape — Dorsal sepal — Broad             ovate. Lateral sepals — Broad ovate. Apex, dorsal and             lateral sepals — Obtuse. Base, dorsal and lateral sepals —             Cuneate. Margin, dorsal and lateral sepals — Entire; dorsal             sepals are slightly undulate and lateral sepals are             moderately to highly undulate. Pubescence, texture and             luster — Glabrous, velvety, and matte on both the upper and             lower sepal surfaces. Color when opening, upper surface —             Both dorsal and lateral sepals are violet, near RHS N87D,             and darker towards the margins, near RHS N87B to N87C. Color             when opening, lower surface — Both dorsal and lateral sepals             are purple-violet, near RHS N82D, and darker towards the             margins, near RHS N82A to N82B. Color when fully opened,             upper surface — Both dorsal and lateral sepals are             purple-violet, lighter than RHS N82D, and darker towards the             margins, RHS N82B to N82C, with irregular tessellation             centrally and towards the margins, nearest to RHS N87A, and             distinct dark purple elongated spots at the base, RHS N87B.             Color when fully opened, lower surface — Both dorsal and             lateral sepals are purple-violet, lighter than RHS N82D, and             darker towards the margins, RHS N82A to N82B, with irregular             tessellation centrally and towards the margins, nearest to             RHS N87A but lighter, and distinct dark purple elongated             spots at the base, RHS N87B but lighter. Fading, upper             surface — The color of all sepals does not fade. Fading,             lower surface — The color of all sepals does not fade.             Venation color, fully opened, upper surface — Both dorsal             and lateral sepals are violet, near RHS N87A. Venation             color, fully opened, lower surface — Both dorsal and lateral             sepals are violet, near RHS N87B.         -   Pedicels.—Length — Approximately 6.1 cm. Diameter —             Approximately 0.5 cm. Angle — Approximately 75 degree angle             to peduncle axis. Strength — Moderate. Texture — Glabrous,             axially angled with 5 “ribs”, axially twisted (due to             resupination) Luster — Glossy. Color — Purple, near RHS 76C,             and fading to purple, near RHS 76A, to violet, RHS 84C,             towards the distal end.         -   Bract.—Quantity — One bract present at the base of each             pedicel. Shape — Reniform; folded around the base of each             pedicel. Dimensions — Average of 1.5 cm long and 1.5 cm             wide. Apex — Broad acute. Base — Broad Cuneate. Margins —             Entire. Color, both surfaces — Yellow-green, near RHS 145A. -   Reproductive organs:     -   -   Column.—Length — Approximately 0.55 cm. Diameter —             Approximately 0.7 cm. Color — White RHS 155B.         -   Ovary.—Position — Inferior. Diameter — Approximately 0.2 cm.             Color — Purple, near RHS 76A, to violet towards the distal             end, near RHS 84C.         -   Pollinia color.—Yellow-orange RHS 17C. -   Seed and fruit: No fruit and seed production has been detected to     date.

COMPARISONS WITH THE PARENT PLANTS

Plants of the new cultivar ‘SPCDW1409’ are similar to the seed parent, Vanda ‘F211’, in most horticultural characteristics. However ‘SPCDW1409’ differs from the seed parent in the following characteristics:

-   -   1. The inflorescence of ‘SPCDW1409’ is shorter than the         inflorescence of ‘F211’.     -   2. The flower color of ‘SPCDW1409’ is a vivid violet, whereas         the flower color of ‘F211’ is a dull violet.     -   3. ‘SPCDW1409’ exhibits a slower growth rate when compared to         ‘F211’.

Plants of the new cultivar ‘SPCDW1409’ are similar to the pollen parent, Vanda ‘JBL211’, in most horticultural characteristics. However ‘SPCDW1409’ differs from the pollen parent in the following characteristics:

-   -   1. The inflorescence of ‘SPCDW1409’ is taller than the         inflorescence of ‘JBL211’.     -   2. The flowers of ‘SPCDW1409’ are smaller than the flowers of         ‘JBL211’.     -   3. The flowers of ‘SPCDW1409’ exhibit a generally violet color,         whereas the flowers of ‘JBL211’ exhibit a generally cerise to         red color.     -   4. ‘SPCDW1409’ exhibits a faster growth rate when compared to         ‘JBL211’.

COMPARISON WITH THE MOST SIMILAR VANDA CULTIVAR KNOWN TO THE INVENTOR

A comparison of ‘SPCDW1409’ with the most similar Vanda cultivar known to the inventor, Vanda ‘SPCDW1404’ (U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/757,055; Community Plant Variety Rights application number 2014/2941), is described in Chart 1.

CHART 1 Characteristic ‘SPCDW1409’ ‘SPCDW1404’ Size of Flower Smaller than those of Larger than those of Petals ‘SPCDW1404’. ‘SPCDW1409’. Flower Petal Higher degree of sepal Lesser degree of sepal Arrangement overlap compared to overlap compared to ‘SPCDW1404’. ‘SPCDW1409’. Position of Flower Petals exhibit more Petals exhibit less forward Petals in Relation forward tilt, in relation to tilt, in relation to the dorsal to Dorsal Sepal the dorsal sepal. sepal. General Coloration Light violet with darker White and tinged violet- of the Flower. violet tessellation. blue towards the apex; moderately dotted with dark purple. Tessellation of the Some tessellation is No clear tessellation. Flower visible. General Coloration Lateral lobes are greyed- Lateral lobes are purple of the Labellum white and strongly tinged and striped violet at the purple; dotted purple- base, with a yellow-orange violet and violet at the dot at the base. Central base; upper margins are lobe is violet-blue. yellow. Central lobe is purple to violet-blue. 

That which is claimed is:
 1. A new and distinct variety of Vanda plant named ‘SPCDW1409’, substantially as described and illustrated herein. 